I need help finding a good tripod! at DVinfo.net

William N Zarvis · April 30th, 2006, 12:33 PM

I've read other posts on this topic but the answers didn't seem to help...

I’m in the market for a good TRIPOD for my Sony-HDR-FX1 and Beachtek DXA-FX Audio Adapter. I’m looking for very fluid motion. This tripod will be used outdoors a lot for my narrative film in different weather so I’m looking for something pretty sturdy!

But, I don’t have a lot of money and $450.00 is my limit! I’d prefer to spend less but I really don’t know what to buy or to expect. Am I being unrealistic at that budget limit? Should I buy different parts from different companies? Where to buy and what to get? It’s all so confusing!

Jimmy McKenzie · April 30th, 2006, 12:43 PM

For the size of your cam and your needs at about 450 bucks, try looking at the bogen/manfrotto 503 head. Then stick the sticks you can afford under that head. At least that way you will get the value where it's needed: Slick smooth pans and tilts.

Paul Dhadialla · April 30th, 2006, 01:04 PM

Jimmy - I'm in the same boat as you. I've been shooting on a DSR300 for the last 5 years and recently picked up a Z1 and need a tripod for it
I have bogen 3046 legs with a 516 head for the 300 but the spring is to tense to handle the z1 and kicks back on the tilt bigtime.

I am stuck because I need the "center geared column" on the 3046 badly and no other tripod really provides that except for a few Gitzos and some really high end pods out of my budget.

I am probably just going to get another 3046 with a "503" head. I've seen that combo before - and its a good cost effective and quality solution. The two units are not half balls - just flat.

This is about $474 - and a pretty solid setup.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=309002&is=REG

You other option is to go to a ball head/legs

You could go with a 3460 legs and a 503 head for about $459.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Or the 3181 with 503 head for about $494.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Just a few thoughts :) I am actually finding that getting the right tripod is more of a pain then the actual camera. At least with the camera you have like 3 choices - tripods - thousands. :(

Paul

Mark Utley · April 30th, 2006, 02:13 PM

I'm saving up for a Vinten Vision 3. It's expensive but so worth it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

April 30th, 2006, 12:33 PM	#1
William N Zarvis Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pittsfield, MA Posts: 86	I need help finding a good tripod! I've read other posts on this topic but the answers didn't seem to help... I’m in the market for a good TRIPOD for my Sony-HDR-FX1 and Beachtek DXA-FX Audio Adapter. I’m looking for very fluid motion. This tripod will be used outdoors a lot for my narrative film in different weather so I’m looking for something pretty sturdy! But, I don’t have a lot of money and $450.00 is my limit! I’d prefer to spend less but I really don’t know what to buy or to expect. Am I being unrealistic at that budget limit? Should I buy different parts from different companies? Where to buy and what to get? It’s all so confusing!

April 30th, 2006, 02:13 PM	#4
Mark Utley Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 479	I'm saving up for a Vinten Vision 3. It's expensive but so worth it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search __________________ Mark Utley

April 30th, 2006, 12:43 PM	#2
Jimmy McKenzie Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waterloo Ontario Posts: 721	For the size of your cam and your needs at about 450 bucks, try looking at the bogen/manfrotto 503 head. Then stick the sticks you can afford under that head. At least that way you will get the value where it's needed: Slick smooth pans and tilts.

April 30th, 2006, 01:04 PM	#3
Paul Dhadialla Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 143	Jimmy - I'm in the same boat as you. I've been shooting on a DSR300 for the last 5 years and recently picked up a Z1 and need a tripod for it I have bogen 3046 legs with a 516 head for the 300 but the spring is to tense to handle the z1 and kicks back on the tilt bigtime. I am stuck because I need the "center geared column" on the 3046 badly and no other tripod really provides that except for a few Gitzos and some really high end pods out of my budget. I am probably just going to get another 3046 with a "503" head. I've seen that combo before - and its a good cost effective and quality solution. The two units are not half balls - just flat. This is about $474 - and a pretty solid setup. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=309002&is=REG You other option is to go to a ball head/legs You could go with a 3460 legs and a 503 head for about $459.00 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation Or the 3181 with 503 head for about $494.00 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation Just a few thoughts :) I am actually finding that getting the right tripod is more of a pain then the actual camera. At least with the camera you have like 3 choices - tripods - thousands. :( Paul